In this episode of Between the Lines we flip the attention to the defensive line, where chaos meets strategy. This is where the Cowboys’ games are won and lost so let’s dive in.

(2025 Stats: 416 Total snaps, 26 Total Tackles, 4 TFL, 33 Pressures, 2 Sack)

(2025 Stats: 273 Total snaps, 19 Total Tackles, 2 TFL, 9 Pressures, 0 Sacks, 1 PD)

(2025 Stats: 455 Total snaps, 23 Total Tackles, 5 TFL, 30 Pressures, 3 Sacks)

(2025 Stats: 89 Total snaps, 3 Total Tackle, 0 TFL, 1 Pressure, 0 Sacks)

(2025 Stats [including Jets]: 398 Total snaps, 36 Total Tackles, 8 TFL, 26 Pressures, 2.5 Sacks)

By the numbers, the Cowboys’ front has surprising backbone. Dallas are at 32% in Run Stop Win Rate (7th) and 38% in Pass Rush Win Rate (18th), the exact combo you want when the opponent loves to live on schedule and lean on the ground game. Individually, Osa Odighizuwa shows up on the inside defensive line pass-rush leaderboard at 11% which ranks 14th, and his PFF card reads as a plus rusher with a 72.5 pass rush grade (22nd among defensive tackles). Kenny Clark’s PFF profile sits 69.6 in pass rush grade behind Odighizuwa, with steady pressure traits and ranks 34th. Then we have Quinnen Williams who was huge in Vegas. His 90.8 run defensive grade is the highest among all defensive tackles and his 47% run-stop win-rate is the most among all inside defensive linemen.

Philadelphia’s counter is the same thing it’s been for years, high-quality technique coached by Jeff Stoutland and a front that can pass off games without panicking. Even with Jason Kelce retired, the interior trio of Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, and Tyler Steen has kept the train mostly on the rails. The team win rates say the Eagles are mid-tier in Pass Block Win Rate (62%, 19th) but top-10 in Run Block Win Rate (72%, 10th). That tracks with their identity with heavy early-down runs and quick answers that prevent 3-techs from getting a clean runway. When it’s fourth-and-inches, the infamous “tush push” still lives on. ESPN recently noted Philly has converted it at roughly 96% on fourth-and-1 since 2022, which means any third-and-short feels like two downs to the sticks.

Some points to note here on team health. Lane Johnson just suffered a Lisfranc sprain and is expected to hit IR, sliding veteran Fred Johnson into the right-tackle chair. At center, Jurgens entered the concussion protocol this week, he returned to limited work this week, but if he’s not cleared, Brett Toth would snap. A backup at RT plus a center potentially returning from protocol is exactly where Dallas can stress communication on the line.

Team context helps frame the stakes. The Eagles run the ball a ton with a 49.7% run rate, second-most. But they are only at 3.9 yards per carry which ranks 25th, and their third-down offense has sputtered with a 33.9% conversion rate, which ranks 29th. They also sit 26th in offensive sack rate (8.8%), which, paired with a 19th-ranked pass block win rate, suggests the interior can be pressured if Dallas forces obvious passing downs.

Jalen Hurts has been efficient and careful with the ball. He’s at 1,995 passing yards on 66.9% with 16 touchdowns and just one interception, while taking 26 sacks which ranks seventh-most. Saquon Barkley leads the ground game with 662 rushing yards (3.8 per carry) and four scores. That blend explains the Eagles’ offensive identity where they use RPOs to freeze 3-techs, then climb on linebackers, and quick play-action to keep interior hands down. Dallas has to counter by owning the A-gap and knocking back the offensive line, and trading sacks for batted balls when they can’t get home.

The key for Dallas is keeping Hurts from living in third-and-manageable where the Brotherly Shove effectively gives them four downs. If the Cowboys can win that invisible war inside, the explosive passes that usually ride behind Philly’s run action have to arrive late, and that’s when the interior tips start piling up.

(2025 Stats: 311 Total snaps, 17 Total Tackles, 3 TFL, 17 Pressures, 1 Sack, 1 FR, 1 PD)

(2025 Stats: 225 Total snaps, 9 Total Tackles, 3 TFL, 24 Pressures, 2 Sacks, 2 PD)

(2025 Stats: 35, Total snaps, 25 Total tackle, 8 TFL, 22 Pressures, 2 Sacks, 1 FF, 1 Sfty)

(2025 Stats: 180 Total snaps, 22 Total tackles, 5 TFL, 14 Pressures, 5 Sacks, 1 FF, 1 FR)

(2025 Stats: 187 Total snaps, 19 Total tackles, 3 TFL, 21 Pressures, 2 Sacks, 1 FR, 3 PD)

As mentioned above, Philadelphia is bracing for life without Lane Johnson, while center Cam Jurgens is working through the concussion protocol. That’s a lot of responsibility shifting in one week, and it changes how often the Eagles can island their tackles.

From the Cowboys’ side, the numbers say the collective rush travels even when the individual leaderboards don’t scream it. The sum of the parts theme for this edge group is backed up by PFF grades. Dante Fowler Jr. is carrying an 81.1 overall grade with a 74.9 pass-rush mark, rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku checks in at 79.7 overall, and Clowney is a sturdy 72.0 with a solid pass-rush grade of 74.4. James Houston has chipped in four sacks in a closer role, while Sam Williams’ tools are still outrunning his grades.

The obstacle is still very obvious for this edge corps. Jordan Mailata remains a top-tier left tackle by PFF with a 79.2 overall which ranks 13the among tackles, and even with Johnson’s injury, the Eagles’ front is drilled well enough to pass off games cleanly. Dallas’ edge room has to make that plan uncomfortable on first down or else the Eagles will keep the ball on schedule and the chips on pass rushers will start to pile up.

The Cowboys will likely spend plenty of time attacking the replacement right tackle. They will want to get into position to unleash Houston on the third down plays where his bend shows up. Ezeiruaku can threaten high, then retrace hard when the Eagles pivot to quick passes and RPO plays. If the Cowboys’ edges stay disciplined against the run and collapse the pocket instead of flying past it, they can pressure Hurts and help to keep his legs in check.

Perrion Winfrey should come back this week and is trending towards playing. Jadeveon Clowney is questionable so keep watch for his game day availability.